Premenstrual syndrome or PMS treatment types range from minor to major measures that alleviate bothersome to very challenging symptoms. Finding the right treatment depends on the intensity of PMS and it might involve self-help or physician assistance. In determining types of treatments, there are numerous ones and the right treatment is symptom-dependent. Generally, people might look to lifestyle changes, herbal or natural remedies, over the counter medicines, or several different types of prescription medicines to address this condition.

Simple lifestyle changes can be part of PMS treatment. Regular exercise is advised. Aerobic exercise helps stabilize mood and activities like yoga produce needed stress reduction. Exercise often results in weight loss and it’s generally true that women have less bleeding and swelling when they weigh less, so this can help reduce symptoms. A diet high in calcium is also important, and in general women should avoid diets that contain a lot of simple carbohydrates, caffeine or saturated fats.

The types of herbal or natural remedies that might make up PMS treatment may target different symptoms. Mood elevation is sometimes found with products like fish oil, kava kava, B vitamins, SAM-e, St. John’s Wort, and Chaste Berry. Cramping is alleviated in some women when they take calcium supplements or vitamin D, and some people also find valerian useful, since it is a natural muscle relaxant. Another recommendation is natural progesterone creams, which might help regulate hormone levels. These all need to be viewed as serious medications and should be checked against any other medications used or current medical conditions.

Additional low-risk remedies include things like using heating pads or hot water bottles to deal with back or pelvic cramping. Foot and ankle swelling is best addressed by lying down and elevating the feet above the heart. A warm bath may do wonders to calm mood or reduce aches and pain. Massage is also of use, and some women find relief from acupuncture.

Sometimes the best PMS treatment is found in the drug store. A pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may end cramping or headaches. Many drug store PMS remedies contain caffeine, which acts as a diuretic. Since caffeine may have an adverse effect on mood or other PMS symptoms, these medications aren’t usually advised.

Occasionally, a physician suggests PMS treatment. Extremely bad periods which cause conditions like premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PDD) might be addressed in a few ways. One is to end periods by using hormonal birth control, or exceptional depression before menstruation could be addressed with antidepressants. Other treatments, such as prescription pain medicines or muscle relaxants for cramping or for migraines could also be recommended.

It’s advised that PMS treatment begin with the smallest measures, building only to doctor solutions if periods are very difficult. Certainly, women who are incapacitated by PMS don’t necessarily have to start small and could simply see a doctor. For most people, though, little changes to diet and exercise might be enough to makes PMS less challenging.

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